Principal Research Scientist II - AI/ML Partnerships, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine

Role Summary

Principal Research Scientist II - AI/ML Partnerships, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine. The role will be a key leader in driving AbbVie's AI/ML external strategy for Biotherapeutics & Genetic Medicine (BGM), leveraging deep technical AI/ML expertise in biopharma to represent BGM’s strategic priorities in external engagements. The position reports to the Head of AI/ML in BGM and serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, ensuring AI/ML initiatives align with business objectives and deliver tangible value to patients. Location options include Worcester, MA; Cambridge, MA; or San Francisco, CA, with flexible on-site or hybrid arrangements (three days per week in the office).

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of AbbVie’s biotherapeutics discovery processes and drug program pipeline and use that as a foundation to co-develop and champion an external AI/ML strategy that is aligned with key areas of impact, over both long- and short-term horizons.
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML innovation, technologies, and best practices, developing a bi-monthly competitive intelligence report, in coordination with other teams that develop competitive intelligence across AbbVie, e.g., AI Strategy & Partnerships, Commercial Digital, R&D, BTS, and Corporate Strategy.
• Collaborate with BGM’s internal AI/ML innovation team to conduct technical due diligence and detailed benchmarking of external partner AI/ML platforms with applicability to AbbVie’s BGM strategy.
• Collaborate across the company (including Technology Licensing & Collaboration, Search & Evaluation, Business Development & Acquisitions, etc.) to ensure collaboration agreements are aligned with the value proposition for BGM.
• Manage and coordinate collaborations with external partners, document key activities and drive projects towards impact.
• Communicate the impact of AI/ML partnerships to AbbVie’s pipeline both internally at governance bodies and, where appropriate, externally, to the AI/ML community through conference presentations.
• Mentor leaders and team members, creating a pipeline of AI/ML champions.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biology, or related discipline with typically 16+ (BS) years, 14+ (MS) years, or 8+ (PhD) years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with senior leaders and build trust-based partnerships to deliver results and influence change.
• Experience with deep technical diligence on machine learning capabilities.
• Prior experience in external partnerships and competitive landscape at a major pharma company or biotechnology organization.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort and ability to create structure from ambiguity.
• Excellent executive communication and stakeholder-management skills with a proven ability to bridge technical and business perspectives.
• Hiring, people management, and career development experience.